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Bel Canto DAC2 vs. DAC1/1.1?

I read the 6Moons review of the DAC2, which said the DAC2 sounds like a Wadia.

I also read the Soundstage review that says the DAC2 sound very similar to the DAC1/1.1, except for more extended frequency extremes.

Which review is closer to the truth and which one do others enjoy from a long term listening and musical worth point of view? (would be connected to an RME Digi 96/8 PAD sound card, either via a Stereovox HDXV digital cable or glass toslink cable)
mshan
jaguar
84 posts
 
I have recently upgraded my DAC 1.1 to a 2.0. I've enjoyed the 1.1 for several years here in my office system. I must say however that I was VERY pleasantly surprised how much better the 2.0 sounded. The first thing I noticed was a blacker, quieter background. The 2.0 is much less "digital" sounding than the 1.1. Bel Canto told me that virtually everything inside the DAC is removed and replaced with a new design. I've noticed tighter bass, more definition and a much more relaxed, musical presentation. IMHO, there is little comparison between the DACS. I would gladly upgrade again!
mshan OP
60 posts
 
Hi Jaguar:

Have you compared the coaxial and optical outputs? (I would be using an RME Digi96/8 PAD sound card, which has both coaxial and optical outputs, though I think the optical one is supposed to be better, in terms of a greater signal to noise ratio).

Also, when you owned the DAC1.1, did you feel it was musically complete? Were you satisfied with it's musical worth until you heard the dAC2?
jaguar
84 posts
 
Hi Mshan...
I have not compared the coax and optical connections. I use a Theta Pearl transport in this system. It only has coax connectors. To answer your second question, I would have to say no because my main system consists of an Accuphase DP-90 transport and Electrocompaniet ECD-1 DAC. The BelCanto 2.0 and the Electrocompaniet DACs share a 24/192 upsampler which makes a significant improvement in music reproduction over the 24/96 in the 1.1. My primary objective was to make my office digital system sound closer to my main digital system.

The DAC 1.1 still sounds quite good. I was quite pleased with its performance for over 2 years. It's older technology competes, but just doesn't compare with the newer digital technology. For whatever difference in price you may find between the two DACS, I personally would gladly take the difference in transparency, the sheen and shimmer of brass and guitar, and the analog-like difference in musicality.

FWIW...get a 2.0, or if the budget permits, the Electrocompaniet. The EC is more refined and really enhances everything going through it....Good luck.
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